|
Acting Agencies
I love acting.
I was just wondering if I'll have to pay to join an Acting Agency or any other agencies around.
I live in England.
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Hobbies category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Theater?
Run from anyone asking for money up front or making promises they can't keep. You only pay an agent when they get you work. At no other time should you pay for anything including photos as you don't need a portfolio rather snapshots.
The only way they can charge you and the unions agree on it is a $100 yearly fee for agencies that deal strictly with kids. Why? kids tend to bail when they learn it's hours and hours of hard work. Subsequently, agents for extras who also tend to bail easily can charge the same $100 yearly fee.
I'm not in England but can tell you that you should never sign with anyone who isn't on the list of reputable agents with the union in your nation. If unsure how to find said list try ACTRA in Canada and SAG in America and ask what union is for England and contact them for the list.
]
You should not join an agency that expects you to pay them upfront. Reputable agencies make money by earning a percentage of your contract fee when they find you work.
Evil abusers of dreams are the kind of people who demand you pay them in order to be represented. That is the kind of ‘agency’ which takes advantage of people.
(There is one exception to this - You may be asked to pay to have professional headshots taken by a photographer the agency likes to work with. Otherwise, there should be no, or very minimal, upfront fees.)
An agency makes money by representing people who they know they can get work for. They make large commissions (10% - 20% of whatever you are paid goes to the agency).
Whichever agency approaches you – do your homework. Look for reviews and ask to speak to one or two people who are represented by them and are willing to give you the skinny.
]
More Questions: |